Agoraphobia is an anxiety disorder characterized by intense fear and avoidance of situations where escape may be difficult or help unavailable if panic-like symptoms occur. Common examples include crowded places, public transportation, bridges, or being outside alone.

Can I recover if I can’t leave home right now?

Yes. Treatment can begin via telehealth with imaginal exposure, interoceptive exercises, and stepwise goals. As confidence grows, we transition to real-world exposure at your pace.

Do you offer telehealth appointments?

Yes. Arizon Wellness provides both in-person and secure virtual care for patients across Columbus and surrounding communities.

Agoraphobia – Arizon Wellness

Q: Is agoraphobia the same as panic disorder?

They are related but not identical. Many people develop agoraphobia after experiencing panic attacks and begin to avoid places associated with fear. Treatment often addresses both panic symptoms and avoidance.

Q: How is agoraphobia treated?

First-line treatments include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) with graded exposure and interoceptive exposure to fear sensations. When appropriate, medications such as SSRIs/SNRIs can reduce symptom intensity so exposure practice is more successful.

What Is Agoraphobia?

Agoraphobia involves intense fear or avoidance of places where escape might be difficult or help unavailable if panic-like symptoms occur. Common triggers include public transportation, crowded stores, long lines, bridges/tunnels, highways, or being outside alone. Over time, avoidance can shrink daily life—but with the right plan, recovery is possible.

Common Symptoms & Patterns

Fear of having a panic attack in public or “being trapped”
Avoidance of travel, stores, theaters, or crowded places
Needing a “safe person,” safety objects, or escape routes
Physical sensations: rapid heartbeat, dizziness, shortness of breath, nausea
Anticipatory anxiety days or hours before an outing
Functional impairment—missed appointments, work/school limits

Causes & Risk Factors

History of panic attacks or panic disorder
Family history of anxiety disorders
Stressful life events, medical illness, or stimulant/caffeine sensitivity
Learned avoidance after frightening experiences
Personality traits (e.g., high sensitivity to body sensations)

Good to know — Avoidance brings short-term relief but keeps fear alive. Treatment gently reverses that cycle.

Diagnosis: How We Evaluate

Comprehensive clinical interview and screening tools
Review of panic history, triggers, safety behaviors, and avoidance
Assessment of functional impact (travel, shopping, work/school, caregiving)
Rule-out medical contributors (e.g., thyroid, cardiac) as indicated
Check for co-occurring concerns (depression, other anxiety disorders)

Understanding your patterns helps us build a stepwise plan you can trust.

Agoraphobia Treatment at Arizon Wellness

CBT with Graded Exposure

We create a personalized hierarchy—from easier steps (standing on the porch) to more challenging goals (driving the highway, busy stores). You’ll practice in-vivo exposure safely and repeatedly until fear drops and confidence grows.

Interoceptive Exposure

Many fear body sensations like dizziness or a racing heart. We practice brief exercises (e.g., spinning, stair stepping, straw breathing) to teach your brain these sensations are safe, reducing panic spirals.

Medication Management

When appropriate, SSRIs/SNRIs can reduce baseline anxiety and panic frequency so exposure work is easier. We individualize dosing and monitor closely. (Benzodiazepines are used thoughtfully due to tolerance and avoidance effects.)

Skill Building & Support

Breathing retraining, cognitive skills, relapse-prevention planning, and gentle lifestyle changes (sleep, caffeine reduction, movement). Telehealth can start care even if leaving home feels hard right now.

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When to Seek Help

Fear or avoidance limits travel, errands, appointments, or social life
You rely on a “safe person,” or plan routes/exits to feel okay
Panic-like symptoms or anticipatory anxiety most days
Quality of life is shrinking due to avoidance

If you are in immediate danger or thinking about harming yourself, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is agoraphobia?

An anxiety disorder marked by fear and avoidance of places where escape might be hard or help unavailable if panic occurs—like crowded stores, public transit, bridges, or being outside alone.

Is agoraphobia the same as panic disorder?

They often overlap. Many people develop agoraphobia after panic attacks and begin to avoid fear-linked places. Treatment addresses both panic symptoms and avoidance behaviors.

How is agoraphobia treated?

With CBT that includes graded exposure to avoided situations and interoceptive exposure to feared sensations, plus skills and—when appropriate—medications like SSRIs/SNRIs.

Can I start treatment if I rarely leave home?

Yes. We can begin via telehealth using imaginal and interoceptive exercises and small at-home steps, then progress to real-world exposure as confidence builds.

Do you offer telehealth?

Yes. We offer secure virtual visits for patients across Columbus and nearby communities.

Agoraphobia Treatment in Columbus, OH

Contact & Location